Month: March 2017

While talking with constituents, friends and family about the Paoli train station, I have heard either “that will be a cold day in hell” or “never in my lifetime.” For over thirty years, a discussion about the renovation of one of the busiest stations in the Delaware Valley and the busiest station outside of Philadelphia has taken place. The complexity of the station from geography to bureaucracy is one of epic proportions: from who owns what to who is responsible for what maintenance.

Finally, on Tuesday February 28, 2017, a “Kodak moment” took place with the ground breaking of the most significant portion of the first phase of the project, known as the Paoli Station Accessibility Improvements. This phase will include a new center high level platform, elevators, ramps, a pedestrian overpass, parking lot improvements, ADA improvements to the existing station building, and changes to infrastructure (i.e. track, signals from Paoli to Frazer, and electric traction). Once complete, this work will bring the Paoli Station into compliance making it accessible for all users.

For the past five years and spearheaded by Tredyffrin Township, all the federal, state, regional, county and local agencies have been meeting to communicate, discuss, and advance the design and funding of the station. They established a clear vision and path to a new and improved station.

The Paoli station is a part of a legacy. The present station, a one story tan brick building, was constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) in 1953 with a price tag of $140,000. I believe we received maximum value from that investment.

Paoli Station is Great Valley’s train station serving the residents and the employees of Tredyffrin, Willistown, Malvern and East Whiteland, but also reaching beyond to Phoenixville, Easttown and Marple. People are traveling to and from Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York City. This station helps support a key economic engine in Chester County with an average daily use of 1550 boardings and alightings.

February 28th was a beautiful day in and for Paoli. It ushered in success for all of the entities coming together, as well as an opportunity for continue economic growth and vibrancy for our region.